Chowdhury v. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh
Enamul Haqe Chowdhury v. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, et al.
- Laura Swain
- 1:25-cv-06163
- U.S. District Court · Southern District of New York
- 3
In Enamul Haqe Chowdhury v. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, Judge Swain ordered fees or an amended fee-waiver application.
Enamul Haqe Chowdhury, who must either pay $405 or submit an amended fee-waiver application within 30 days; the case may be dismissed if he does not comply.
What happened
Enamul Haqe Chowdhury, representing himself, asked to proceed without paying court fees in Enamul Haqe Chowdhury v. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh, et al. He submitted a financial application with missing employment and wage information and several inconsistent statements about his assets and income.
The court ordered him, within 30 days, either to pay $405 or submit a complete, signed, and truthful amended application showing that he cannot pay. The court did not issue a summons at that time and warned that it would dismiss the case if he did not comply. It also denied fee-free status for any appeal from the order.
Judge Laura Taylor Swain issued the order. She did not decide the underlying claims against the defendants or grant the requested fee waiver at this stage.
The detailed version
- Chowdhury v. Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh · No. 1:25-cv-06163
- Laura Swain
- Sept. 10, 2025
Background
Enamul Haqe Chowdhury, who is representing himself, asked to proceed without prepaying court fees. This status is called proceeding in forma pauperis, or proceeding without paying the fees upfront. The court explained that a civil action generally requires payment of a $350 filing fee and a $55 administrative fee, for a total of $405, unless the court authorizes this fee-free status.
The application stated that Chowdhury was employed but did not identify his employer or provide his monthly pay or wages. It also described money received from rent, interest, or dividends; ownership of his present address; monthly rent of $100; and other financial information. The application further referred to assets allegedly worth more than $480 billion, ownership of stocks and vehicles, shared utility bills, and contributions to a minor son's food, clothing, and books. The court found these statements inconsistent and could not determine from the application whether Chowdhury lacked sufficient funds to pay the required fees.
Order
Within 30 days of the order, Chowdhury must either pay the $405 in fees or fully and clearly complete, sign, and submit an amended fee-waiver application. The amended application must provide specific facts showing that he cannot pay and must answer all questions fully and truthfully. If the court grants the amended application, he may proceed without prepaying fees.
No summons issued at that time. The court stated that the action would be processed under the Clerk's Office procedures if Chowdhury complied. If he failed to comply within the allowed time, the court stated that it would dismiss the action. The court also certified that an appeal from the order would not be taken in good faith and denied fee-free status for purposes of an appeal.
What the Order Did Not Decide
The order did not decide the merits of Chowdhury's claims against the Government of the Peoples Republic of Bangladesh or the other defendants. It addressed only the payment of fees and the application to proceed without prepayment of fees. The order was issued by Chief United States District Judge Laura Taylor Swain.
Read the full 3-page opinion on CourtListener, the free public archive maintained by the Free Law Project.